May Empties || Products I've Used Up

I've used up the VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray which is the second one that I've used up as there's just something addictive about the scent which makes me want to use it all the time in conjuction with the fact that it's brilliant for protecting my hair against heat. I've finished up yet another Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel which I've mentioned so many times now on here that I do I really have to go on? I've used up the Aussie Colour 3MM which was okay but didn't particularly impress me as much as say the Reconstructor version. I've finished a tube of Sudocrem which I use on any blemishes as an overnight treatment or burns/rashes and it does the trick. I've used up another one of my beloved Lacura Aqua-Complete Multi Intensive Serum which I much prefer over Hydraluron as it just feels more hydrating yet I still use both of them together. I've finished up a pot of Origins Ginzing Moisturiser which smelt so fruity and awakening! This I loved for using in the mornings as it made my skin appear more awake and it helped keep my skin hydrated. I've used up the No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum which I'm still sat on the fence despite already moving onto my next tube.

I've used up Lush's Brightside Bubble Bar which I managed to get quite a few baths out of and it created a decent amount of bubbles whilst smelling insanely good. I've used up Lush's Creamy Candy Bath Bubble Bar which I only got four baths out of as it seemed to melt at any sign of body heat. This didn't create a good amount of bubbles but it still smelt good. I've used up Lush's Fizzbanger Bath Ballistic which I thoroughly enjoyed watching it fizz away - I will most definitely be repurchasing a few of these at christmas time! I've finished up two packs of No7 Quick Thinking Wipes which I use for everything but taking off makeup. I've used up the Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Cleansing & Toning Wipes which I used on my days off from work to refresh my skin. I've finished two packs of the Wilko Maxi Oval Cotton Wool Pads which are the only cotton wool pads I buy and use.

I've used the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer which I've gone through so many tubes of as it's brilliant for creating a radiant base and adding that dewy effect to any skin. I've finished up yet another Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation which is primarily my mixing foundation for other foundations but when used by itself, it gives a radiant medium coverage. I've finally used up my first bottle of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation which has taken me the longest time ever to finish! I personally find this to be too heavy for my skin so I like to mix it with the Bourjois offering to create a full cover, radiant finish which lasts all day. I'm the shade Bone which looks quite yellow in the bottle but matches me almost perfectly. Lastly, I've used up a Gallery Club Nail Varnish in Silver Sparkle which is by far the best silver glitter nail varnish I've come across as it's opaque in one coat and is so sparkly!

May Birchbox Review

Unlike previous Birchboxes in the past, this months edition is rather special. Instead of the usual collaborations and themes, Birchbox have decided to go ahead with a rather unique way to free your mind - literally. Gone are the plain brown boxes for this month and instead, they've been replaced with a white and black box which you can colour in! Various studies have proven that taking time out to colour something in is a very therapeutic way to help de-stress and clear your mind and I will most definitely be taking this to work with me in a bid to get over stressful customers. Without further ado, let's delve into this months contents..

The Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser in Light (£27) definitely got my heart racing when I first opened up the box as it's a product that I've had my eye on for quite a while. It's one of those lightweight moisturisers that is a true multitasker, both treating and brightening the skin whilst adding a little light coverage to those areas that need it most. Best of all, the shade Light matches my skin perfectly so I'll definitely be wearing this most Sundays.

I was a little late to the bandwagon when it came choosing my sample this month so I got lumbered with the WAH London Nail Art Pen in 08 (£7) which is a rather royal blue. I haven't experimented with any nail art in forever so this won't be getting much love from me but I bet it would look incredible over a white nail..

I very briefly experimented with salt sprays at the beginning of last year and haven't tried it again since so the Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturising Sea Salt Spray (£17) will be most likely getting passed onto a friend who enjoys experimenting with their hair. Unlike most salt sprays which smell surprisingly of salt, this one smells of ripe peaches and freshly cut grass so it would be interesting to see how long that scent lasts in the hair.

I love slathering myself in body butters so the Whish Body Butter in Almond (£14.50) is a most welcome addition to my stash! I've actually tried the Lavendar version of this from a previous box and thoroughly enjoyed it so I'm hoping that this scent will be even better. Made with aloe, shea butter and raspberry butter, it'll be sure to help battle even the most driest of bodies!

Bronzers are one of my weaknesses so I was excited to see the Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo in Martinique (£15.95) in this months box although that excitement was short lived when I opened it up. The bronzer is more orange toned and therefore doesn't show up on my skin and the blush is far too shimmery for my liking so this will be getting passed onto a family friend who's just starting out with makeup.

As I'm currently more blonde than brunette, the Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Reconstructing Masque (£36) satchet will be getting some serious loving at some point in the near future when my hair is looking a little dry and dull. As it contains soy proteins, shea butter, sunflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil, it will help leave hair smooth, strengthened and shiny again.

Seeing as this months theme is to free your mind, it seemed only right to have Birchbox throw in some colouring pencils to help transform our boxes into a beautiful, colourful masterpiece.

Samples I've Used Up 023

This has to be the most amount of samples that I've gotten through in one month alone which is probably down to the fact that I'm making a conscious effort to use up some samples first, after finishing a full size product before moving onto a new product. Along with the fact that I mainly packed only samples on my most recent holiday up to York and then up to Penrith.

I've used up a few samples of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair which I thoroughly enjoy using as it completely transforms my skin overnight and I already have a full size waiting for me. I've finished up a few samples of The Smim Radiating Moisturising Cream which I will definitely be buying a full size of soon as I love how it makes my skin look incredibly radiant and hydrated at the same time! I've used up a sample of Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream which feels a little too heavy for my skin and too a while to sink in but when it's finally absorbed, it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soft.

I've used up a sample of L'Oreal Skin Perfection Correcting Day Moisturiser which is actually a pastel pink colour which I was not expecting! This kept my skin hydrated and soft to the touch and funnily enough, I've got a full size of this in my stash too. I've used up a sample of Nivea Sensitive Day Cream which my skin literally drank up within seconds. It's very light on the skin and is very moisturising albeit I won't be buying this in full size as I have too many moisturisers to use up at the moment. I've used up a sample of Lioele V-line Waterdrop Sleeping Pack which is actually a gel like consistency that gets absorbed into the skin almost instantly. This left my skin feeling very soft to the touch and didn't feel sticky or greasy either.

I've recently had a new tattoo done which explains why I've finished up the most cutest sample ever of Bepanthen. I was applying every few hours or so to help speed up the healing process and it's definitely done the trick! I've used a few samples of Lancome Visionnaire which features in every post of this as it truly is one of the best skin correcting serums I've tried! I've used up a sample of L'Oreal Fibrology Shampoo & Conditioner which I've used in the past and absolutely love! This helps make hair appear thicker without drying it out and is definitely one duo that I'll be repurchasing real soon!

I've used up a couple samples of Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser in Nourishing Cocoa and Firming and I much prefered the latter as it just felt more hydrating and smelt better too! I've finished up a travel sized Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel which I use primarily as a shaving lotion as it helps achieve a closer shave. I've used up a sample of Garnier Ultimate Blends The Marvellous Transformer Shampoo & Conditioner which I'm actually in awe of the results as it made my hair feel incredibly soft and that is before using any oils or leave in conditioners. It also made my hair smell good too so this will definitely be getting purchased once I've gone through a few more in my stash!

I've finished up a generous sized sample of Nuxe Nuxellence Detox which is the more hydrating, thicker consistency version of Lancome Visionnaire. This completely transformed my skin overnight and left it hydrated, radiant and smooth and is one product that once again, I already have a full size in my stash. Lastly, I've used up a sample of La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ which I got about three full face uses out of. This helps with acne and any scarring left over from blemishes and is a product that I use on a daily basis.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream

When it comes to bath and body products, I much prefer using products from the same scent/brand to get a better feel of said scent especially when that particular scent is one that I've had mixed thoughts about for quite a while. Sugar Crush by Soap & Glory is simply one of those scents that when first launched, I instantly took a dislike to however fast forward a few months and I can see why everybody loves it so much!

The Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream (£10.50) is a mouthwatering, irrestible blend of shea and cocoa butter mixed with kiwi juice water, lime and almond oils which makes this one of Soap & Glory's thickest body butters yet! It's not quite on par with The Body Shop when it comes to consistency but it certainly comes close!

I like to be quite generous when it comes to moisturising my body so I tend to scoop out a decent sized amount before massaging it into my body, concentrating it mainly on the driest parts. No matter how little or how much I apply, this will not sink in instantly so I tend to do the hurry-up-and-dry-body-dance if I'm in a rush or if it's just before bed, I prefer to stick my PJs on almost straight after applying. Unlike some body butters where the scent fades away after only a few minutes, this particular one lingers on the skin for literally hours and I can even still smell it the morning after applying it the night before! What I like the most about this body butter is just how moisturising it truly is - it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth whilst leaving it feeling really hydrated. Once I use up the bulk of my body butters, I will definitely be repurchasing this in a heart beat!

21st Birthday

So today marks my 21st Birthday, Happy Birthday to Me! Unlike last year where I spent it with my Grandma and Grandpa, this year however I'm spending it with just my boyfriend as I've decided that I want a quiet birthday this year which makes me feel slightly richer just by saying that. Although with that being said, I have spent all morning at the hair dressers getting pampered.. ;)

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

As much as I love applying makeup, I love removing my makeup especially after a long day at work! For the best part of just over a year, I've gone from using just one makeup remover to two - one specifically for my eye makeup and the other for the bulk of my makeup. Recently, I've found myself reaching for The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover which definitely is more on the gentler side..

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (£8) aims to gently melt eye makeup away within seconds whilst conditioning the skin around the eye area. It helps leave lashes and lids feeling soft and clean and is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin.

Unlike eye makeup removers that I've used in the past, there is no need to shake the bottle as it's just a clear liquid that is ready for whenever you are. I like to pour a generous amount onto a cotton wool pad before holding it onto my eye for a few seconds and then sweeping away. As the name suggests, it truly is gentle in the sense that it takes a lot more than just a few seconds to remove the bulk of my eye makeup and even then, it makes my eyes water. I find that whilst it does remove eye makeup rather well, it doesn't remove mascara that easily especially stubborn waterproof makeup. I find that no matter how much I apply or how long I hold it onto my eye, I still end up rubbing at my eyes which irritates them. I wouldn't recommend this at all if you wear a lot of eye makeup as you will be there for a short while until it's all removed.

 

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash

Out of Soap & Glory's entire shower gel line up, I've only used Clean On Me which long time followers will know that I use as a shaving lotion. In a bid to use up my bathing products as well as to try more from the brand, I've started using their Sugar Crush Body Wash which I've had for the longest time.

The Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash (£6.50) contains a weird concoction of lime oil, coolcapsule X, kiwi juice water and omega-rich veggie oil which makes this one heck of an energising, revitalising, lather rich body wash.

Unlike most shower gels that I've tried in the past, this one is rather thin in consistency so I like to go a little pump crazy until I get my desired result which varies anywhere between three to five pumps depending on how lather-happy I'm wanting to go. I prefer applying this on a loofah rather than onto my hands as it lathers up better and it doubles up as an exfoliator as well. This definitely doesn't disappoint as it lathers up nicely whilst smelling incredibly delicious! I will most likely be repurchasing this soon as it's by far one of the better shower gels I've tried.

Aussie Colour 3 Minute Miracle

I've noticed that since getting more bleach put into my hair to higlight the fact that I'm more ombre, my hair has been feeling more dry than normal. As I always use Aussie's 3 Minute Miracles as a Sunday night treat, I decided to buy one targeted specifically for coloured hair in the hope that it will end my dry hair woes.

The Aussie Colour 3 Minute Miracle (£4.99) is enriched with extracts of australian wild peach which helps to revitalize dry, dull hair and transform it into vibrant, luscious locks. Just like with all Aussie 3 Minute Miracles, it just takes three minutes for the miracle to happen although you can leave it on for a lot longer.

As mentioned, I like to use Aussie 3 Minute Miracles on Sunday and I like to apply a generous amount all over my hair, concentrating mainly on the mid-lengths down. I tend to leave it on for a lot longer than three minutes as I like to apply it and get on with the rest of my routine before washing it out completely afterwards. Since I've started using this, I wouldn't say that it has transformed my hair completely as it still has it dry days; even more so now due to a particular product to tackle various scalp issues (more on that soon!) but it's definitely made it more manageable in the sense that it's easier to brush after washing. I do definitely prefer their other 3MM's, in particular their reconstructor which is by far one of my favourites so I doubt I'll be rushing out any time soon to repurchase this particular one.

No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum

Eight years ago, Boots caused hysteria across the globe after unveiling their now infamous No7 Protect & Perfect Serum which was proven to actually reduce wrinkles which caused massive queues and woman stockpiling the serum in their hundreds. Since then, it's been reformulated a little to make it even more effective especially for those in their early twenties like myself or in their late eighties. Say hello to the No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum!

The No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum (£23.95) is just like the original except more advanced with it containing Matrixyl 3000 Plus which is a combination of Matrixyl plus peptides that work together to help restore more youthful, radiant looking skin. With a patented antioxidant complex, it promises to help protect skin from future signs of ageing whilst keeping the skin looking younger for longer. It also contains salicylic acid to help promote blemish free, radiant skin.

Unlike most serums where you can see results almost instantly, the No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum is one serum that you need to have patience with and use it continuously in order to see results. The No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum is a light weight, gel consistency that can be used both morning and night that sinks into the skin almost immediately after applying. I've been using this continuously since early March time so I've definitely given it more than it's fair share of trialling it out especially considering that I've repurchased it despite not finishing the tube just yet! Whilst it does make my skin feel incredibly soft and smooth after applying, it doesn't seem to have any effect on my imaginary fine lines under my eyes almost immediately. It's only until I've continued using it continuously that I see a little improvement in them and that they appear slightly reduced in size. That's not the only improvement in my skin, my skin looks more radiant and toned and any blemishes that pop up, disappear completely within just a few days. I will admit and say that I am still on the fence about the product itself however No7 do state that the results keep getting better with continued use so I'll continue using it for a little while longer or until I've definitely fallen in love with it. Whilst this is a product that you need patience with, it's definitely a product worth investing in especially if want to help prevent any visible signs of ageing!

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub

When Soap & Glory brought out their Sugar Crush range, everybody was raving about how it smelt like lime cola bottles however I couldn't understand how something that smelt so vile to me could smell that good to everyone else. Fast forward a few months and I've quite literally eaten my own words as I can see what all the hype is about!

The Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£8) contains smashed brown sugar and macadamia grains with a fruity lime fragrance which is a mixture of sweet lime oil, almond oil and glycerin which makes this scrub highly effective, even for those old lizard legs that everybody seems to have these days.

I personally like to take out a generous sized scoop and buff it onto wet skin, concentrating mainly on the tops of my arms before washing it off completely. Whilst it's not a miracle worker and removes all lumps and bumps from the first use, over time it truly works as I don't suffer with my chicken skin quite as bad as I once did. Despite how effective it is, I find that it is very messy so I like to make sure that I've washed it off completely before getting out and applying a liberal amount of body butter as I find that my skin can feel a little dry after using it.

Dove Dry Shampoo

I tend to wash my hair three to four times a week which translates to every other day or when I have the time to. I love nothing more than washing my hair yet I find the whole task tedious in itself. For those days when I don't want to wash my hair yet it feels or look a little greasy, I turn to dry shampoo which is godsend in itself.

Recently, I've been reaching for the Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo (£4.59) which helps to absorb oil and leaves hair feel refreshed and volumised inbetween washes. Unlike most dry shampoos, this contains less starch which means that it doesn't leave that familiar chalky look that some well known ones can do.

My method of using dry shampoo is spraying it directly at the roots where I need it most, leave it for a few seconds before massaging it into my scalp which is the most effective way for me. By doing this, I'm getting rid of the majority of the oil whilst giving my hair some volume which recreates that just washed feeling. As it doesn't leave a chalky finish, I can spray as much or as little as I want all over which is brilliant news if you're as heavy handed as me when it comes to dry shampoo! This can also be doubled up as a slight texturising spray as if you spray it concentrating on the mid-lengths down, you can recreate a similar effect. What I love the most about this dry shampoo is the scent - it doesn't have a fake scent but instead has that just washed scent which disguises the fact that you may not have washed your hair in a few days. This is definitely one of the better dry shampoos that I've tried and is one that I will be repurchasing asap!

Clearasil Superfruits Refreshing Pads

As I'm slowly making my way through my skincare stash, I'm discovering products that I bought ages ago which are now making their rounds and being hailed as one of the skincare products to try. One product in particular that is currently making its rounds is the Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits Refreshing Pads which I've finally started using after I finished up my previous morning exfoliator.

The Clearasil Superfruits Refreshing Pads (£4) contains 65 pads which are soaked in a refreshing yet highly effective concoction of glycerin, salicylic acid, raspberry extracts and cranberry extracts which help to exfoliate the skin and keep it looking clear without irritating the skin.

I prefer to reach for these in the morning as the strong smell of cranberry definitely wakes me up. I tend to take one and sweep one side all over my face before flipping over and repeating. This helps to not only wake me up but it helps to gently exfoliate the skin without irritating the skin. Since I've started using these, the amount of small lumps under my chin have reduced dramatically and I haven't experienced quite as many blemishes and have instead been embracing good skin days. Despite the fact that they do contain alcohol, my skin hasn't been feeling tight after using them which I'm pleased about. Overall, these are a brilliant budget buy and a good product to try if you're just starting out with acidic toners.

The British Beauty Blogger Edit || Clinique

Whenever Jane Cunningham mentions that she's bringing out another The British Beauty Blogger Edit, the entire beauty blogging world goes crazy! This results in the box selling out in record time albeit having a limited number of boxes in the first place. Instead of having a mixture of her ultimate products, she's teamed up with Clinique to bring us her edit of products she loves and products that she would recommend to everyone. I had read about what it contained a few days before the official release but it was only until I saw that a few friends on twitter had purchased one that I decided to bite the bullet and buy one for myself. Featuring five classic, travel size products as well as two full sized and priced at only £18.50, it's easy to see why it sold out so quickly.

The first product to catch my eye is the full size High Impact Mascara (£17.50) which I've already tried a sample of previously. This promises to give incredible volume and give the blackest of lashes whilst adding length and definition which I do stand by. I prefer it more when it's just been opened as I find then when it starts to dry out, it doesn't have quite the same result.

I'm a huge skincare junkie so seeing a deluxe sized Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (£34) included definitely got me excited especially after considering purchasing it for the longest time! It's a gel cream consistency that plumps up skin with hydration that lasts all day with immediate results. It's one of those products that you can use in all different situations - as a skin pick me up, as an overnight hydrating mask, as a cream, as a makeup refresher. 

Another skincare addition that I've been wanting to try for the longest time is the Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ (£30) which has been long hailed as one of the moisturisers to have on hand. Unlike the original, this new updated version helps keep moisture locked in whilst strengthening the skin's own moisture barrier. The good thing about this is that is sinks in very fast and leaves the skin feeling immediately silkier with a hydrated feel that will last all day.

I love nothing more than taking off a days worth of makeup so having a travel sized Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips (£17) on hand for when stubborn mascara will not budge is a welcome addition. Unlike most makeup removers, this is targeted specifically for lids, lashes and lips and it works by loostening stubborn mascara's grips on the lashes so that you can gently sweep it away. As by the end of the day any lip colour is already long gone, I will be using this only for my eye makeup.

A product that I'm a little wary of using is the Liquid Facial Soap Mild (£16) which despite it being targeted as a cleanser, the name of the product puts me off. This is first step of the infamous 3-Step regime and it comes in a mild, non irritating formula to cleanse the skin ready for the next step.

The other full sized addition is a Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm in Plumped Up Pink (£17) which is half way between both a lipstick and a lipgloss. Infused with shea butter, mango seed butter and jojoba seed oil, this highly moisturising lip colour helps protect and pamper lips with immediate and long-lasting moisturisation without skipping out on the colour payoff.

The last product included in the box is a miniature Happy Perfume (£39 for 50ml) which is the perfect handbag size for a night out. Infused with ruby red grapefruit, boysenberry bush flower and hawaiian wedding flower; this truly makes it one sparkling floral, citrus burst fragrance.

Estee Lauder Little Black Primer

I've always had naturally long lashes but that was until I discovered extensions and completely ruined my real lashes and discovered the hassle that short lash gal experience. I've tried various eyelash growth serums which I've had mixed results from - some have worked perfectly and some have had no effect whatsoever. In a bid to recreate my longer lash days, I've been resorting to a little black primer of mine..

The Estee Lauder Little Black Primer (£20) is essentially the little black dress but for your lashes than can be worn three different ways. On bare lashes, to tint them silky black and natural. As a primer, to amplify mascara's lash effects. As a top coat, to set with a water-resistant finish. 

My personal favourite method is as a primer; a few coats after curling my lashes before going in with my normal mascara to really amplify, define and lengthen my lashes. I find that this works best if you're working on a completely clean base with none of yesterdays leftovers still evident. I find that if used as a top coat after applying copious amounts of my normal mascara, it creates the clumped spidery effect that I always try to avoid and using it just as a macara by itself gives no where near enough length for my liking. There have been times when I've skipped this step to find that my lashes are not defined enough nor as long as when I have used it so albeit it being slightly gimmicky - it truly does work in my eyes.

Carino Miracle Oil

As much as I love washing my hair, I love applying products to my hair a lot more. As my hair is naturally straight and dry, I tend to use really nourishing and hydrating products which I often use in conjunction with each other to get my hair as hydrated as possible. I always use a hair oil after every time I've washed my hair and recently I've been reaching for the Carino Miracle Oil which I actually bought last year as it takes me forever to finish up a hair oil.

The Carino Miracle Oil (£3.99) is a multi-use product that is suitable for all hair types. As it's enriched with argan oil, it will help strengthen, smooth and hydrate hair whilst adding an unbeatable shine. It will also help improve the overall condition of the hair with continued use by preventing split ends and breakage.

I've been using this oil since the start of the year and I like to apply a generous amount to the palm of my hair before rubbing my hands together and running my fingers through my hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths down. Since I've started using this, I do believe that the overall condition of my hair has improved as my hair definitely looks smoother and shinier without quite as much frizz. For the price, you seriously cannot beat it so it's definitely an oil to try! Unforunately, Aldi only sell this a few times a year so it's worth popping in every few weeks or so to see if they've got any in stock.

April Favourites

April has been one of those months where my skincare has taken a back seat in the sense that I haven't been cleansing my face as much as I'd care to admit and as a result, my skin hasn't broken out but instead it has become rather dull. So to counteract that, I've been upping the radiance stakes and dug out an old favourite whilst experimenting more with my eye makeup.

For the second month running, Hydraluron has well and truly been pushed aside to make way for Lacura Aqua-Complete Multi Intensive Serum. Despite it being exactly the same as it's more expensive counterpart, there is just something about its watery goodness that makes my skin feel and look more hydrated. I'm actually nearly all out of my bottle so a repurchase is definitely on the cards!

I've definitely found my signature eye look which is a combination of two key shades from the No7 Mini Eye Palette which sadly can no longer be purchased. I love applying the two well loved shades on the top row as a base with the chocolatey brown shade in the corner on the bottom row in the crease. These three shades together truly make the perfect smokey eye which I just cannot get enough of! In order to apply my crease colour, I've been using a pointed eyeshadow brush from eBay which blends the colour out seamlessly so that there are no harsh lines. I've washed it a dozen times and I've had no shedding which for the price, is a definite bargain!

I've been reaching for an old favourite to help create the appearance of more radiant, highlighted skin which has been the No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter. It's a big chubby stick crayon that you simply draw onto the skin and then blend out using either your fingers or brushes. I prefer to apply this before applying foundation and apply it again after applying foundation which helps achieve the desired look that I'm after.

The last product that I've been loving thoroughout April has been my beloved MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup which one of my blogging friends, Jessie, bought for me back in 2012 which was my first ever MAC lipstick. Creme Cup is one of those pale pink shades that just seems to suit everone and finishes any makeup look. It has become one of my go to lipsticks as of late and is one that I will definitely be repurchasing in the next few weeks!